The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, announced the winners of its Young Furniture Makers Awards and Prizes at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition earlier this month.
Principally sponsored by Tizo, the Young Furniture Makers exhibition took place on Wednesday 2nd October at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.
Almost 70 designs from emerging designer-makers were exhibited at the one-day event, which was set up over 15 years ago for school children, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers.
The exhibition opened at 1pm, with visitors quickly filling the two venues to see the designs on show. In addition to the furniture and lighting on display, guests and exhibitors were treated to five short seminars that formed a Talks Programme.
The anticipation built through the day, with the event culminating with a drinks reception and the announcement of the 2024 Young Furniture Makers Awards. Hundreds of people filled the Dutch Church to hear which pieces had been named top of their category, with special guest John Makepeace OBE, one of the UK’s pre-eminent furnituremakers, announcing this year’s winners:
* School Design Prize sponsored by KI: Nautical Bench by Madaleine Richardson
* Apprentice Award, sponsored by Achieve and Partners: Wrapped Grain Walnut Tambour Record Cabinet by Stanley Mackintosh from Bill Cleyndert + Company
* Bespoke Award, sponsored by Axminster Tools: Oomugi – a Japanese Whisky Shrine by Ed Ryland
* Design Award, sponsored by NaughtOne: Torsion Dresser Sideboard by Tom Wilkinson-Dix
* Textiles Award, sponsored by House of Sonnaz: Cove by Eva Ellis
* Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by Meon by Gaze Burvill: Verne Easy Chair by Kevin Tronel
* Best in Show Prize, sponsored by Blum: Diamond + Pearls Chair by Tomer Arad
* Fast Track Prize, sponsored by FIRST MW: Cove by Eva Ellis
During the prize-giving, Brian Ahern, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, presented John with a handmade commemorative box to mark his 40 years of dedication to the company.
Brian says: "The Young Furniture Makers exhibition once again highlighted the outstanding and extraordinary design talent present in the UK. We are deeply thankful to our exhibition and award sponsors, whose continued commitment makes this inspiring event possible every year. I would especially like to express my gratitude to our principal sponsor, Tizo Ltd, for their generous support."
John Makepeace adds: “It was exciting to see a variety of innovative ideas, but also an impressive level of craftsmanship, both in wood and fibre.”
Nick Groves, CEO at Tizo, adds: “It was a fantastic privilege to be a small part of the day, sponsoring the event. We had a real opportunity to gain an insight into the level of talent on show. It’s inspiring to see such exceptional talent and creativity from the next generation of designers and makers. Supporting young talent is crucial to the future of the industry, and we are thrilled to be part of an event that celebrates innovation and craftsmanship. Congratulations to all the participants and winners – you are the future of the industry.”
Ed Ryland, winner of the Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award, comments: "Being recognised among the many incredible talents showcased at this year's inspiring Young Furniture Makers exhibition is a true honour. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone at Waters and Acland for patiently transmitting their passion for creativity and craftsmanship through expert tuition and unwavering support.”
Eva Ellis, winner of the Young Furniture Makers Textiles Award and Fast Track Prize, concludes: "Showcasing my work at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition was an incredible experience. It was a privilege to exhibit my chair, Cove, alongside such talented designers and to connect with industry professionals. I enjoyed discussing the future of sustainable upholstery and the potential of 3D knitting.
"I'm grateful for the positive reception my design received from the judges, industry, and public. Winning the Textile Award was a fantastic surprise, and to receive the Fast Track Prize as well, truly exceeded my expectations. I'm looking forward to working with industry expert Malcolm Walker over the next 12 months, to gain valuable industry experience."
